Minnesota is one of the most expensive locations for renters in the Midwest as we see increases in rent prices and decreases in median income since 2000. While data shows that minimum wage earners struggle to afford an unattainable rent; 14,000 men, women and children remain homeless in Minnesota.

To combat these harsh realities, Aeon was formed in 1986 by the Central Community Housing Trust to address the demolition of 350 units while the Minneapolis Convention Center was built. Almost 30 years later, Aeon helps to house 4,500 residents in 42 unique buildings including seniors, families and homeless.

With locations in the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul area, Aeon is fueled largely by donations, most of which come from their annual Beyond Bricks and Mortars breakfast fundraiser. Their 2016 edition of the fundraiser took in $538,883.

An ordinance was passed in West St. Paul during November that restricts where some disabled people who receive government rental assistance can live, barring them from zones that prospect apartments and townhouses in the future.

The Star Tribune reports that while disability advocates cite the ordinance as discriminatory and Dakota County officials say that the result severely restricts choice for the disabled; West St. Paul officials claim that police officers have been overburdened by calls from apartment complexes where those who qualify for support services live.

These residents might be mentally ill, physically or mentally disabled, recovering addicts or elderly according to Minnesota’s laws on financial assistance. Dakota County lists around 400 seniors and 100 disabled people that live in registered housing within West St. Paul.

City attorneys see the issue not as a restriction on civil liberties, but rather as a regulation on private business. With claims of misallocating police resources on one side and discrimination on the other, West St. Paul finds itself in a contentious debate.

$7.7 million in apartment and infrastructure developments are up for funding and a vote by the Metropolitan Council on Dec 14.

The Star Tribune reports on the vote, which decides if the Living Communities Demonstration Account (LCDA) grant recommendations for the developments to the Met Council will be approved. If approved, the grant recommendations would help to fund eight proposed private developments in the Twin Cities area.

With plans to develop four buildings in St. Paul, one in Bloomington, one in Hastings and two in Minneapolis; the proposed plans aim to bring 1,627 living units and 92 permanent jobs to the greater Twin Cities area.